Hi Amanda,
Thanks for writing. In my experience, webs don't work. The way they are set up doesn't promote organization, because they are too random. Instead, I use a simple graphic organizer that's divided into three boxes, beginning, middle, and end. Or I use a graphic organizer that has characters, setting, and plot, or one about problem, solution. Graphic organizers that are linear, like those I just mentioned, do work. For certain assignments I might use a specific graphic organizer I make up for that one writing assignment. I model using graphic organizers on an overhead projector or Smartboard. I spend a lot of time in conversation too, with groups, but mostly with individual students about their ideas. I help them along by chatting and feeding them alternate ideas, ways they can add-on, etc. I write my suggestions on Post-it notes and give them to my students. These conversations about writing are an important part of the writing process.
Hi Amanda,
Thanks for writing. In my experience, webs don't work. The way they are set up doesn't promote organization, because they are too random. Instead, I use a simple graphic organizer that's divided into three boxes, beginning, middle, and end. Or I use a graphic organizer that has characters, setting, and plot, or one about problem, solution. Graphic organizers that are linear, like those I just mentioned, do work. For certain assignments I might use a specific graphic organizer I make up for that one writing assignment. I model using graphic organizers on an overhead projector or Smartboard. I spend a lot of time in conversation too, with groups, but mostly with individual students about their ideas. I help them along by chatting and feeding them alternate ideas, ways they can add-on, etc. I write my suggestions on Post-it notes and give them to my students. These conversations about writing are an important part of the writing process.